Alleged food parcel theft in Bitou

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Did the food parcels meant for Bitou's needy over the Easter period reach the right people? This is the question being probed by Bitou mayor Peter Lobese, who has announced his concerns over allegations that an official had been involved in irregular activities during the delivery of food parcels in Plettenberg Bay over the Easter weekend.

Municipal spokesperson Andile Namntu said there were many allegations, including that some of the food parcels had not reached the needy but instead were given to friends and political acquaintances of a municipal official.

Namtu said the allegations involve the distribution of parcels between 10 and 13 April. "Although there are no formal complaints laid, the municipality does not take these allegations lightly," Lobese said on Saturday 18 April.

"Across the country there has been a huge outcry in the manner in which food parcels have been issued. In places such as Mitchell's Plain in the City of Cape Town, the residents resorted to violent protest. We certainly do not want to see such situations in Plettenberg Bay. So serious is the matter of suspicion and allegations of the politicisation of food delivery, that the Garden Route District command centre discussed it in a virtual meeting [last week]," he said.

Lobese said should there be any proof of any wrongdoing from any councillor or official of the Bitou Municipality, disciplinary action would be taken. "The municipality would also take criminal and/or civil action against any resident or organisation that spreads lies and drags the name of the municipality through the mud without proof. A person can be sent to jail for using social media to spread false news."

He encouraged people to come forward with proof and to lay charges.

Mayor Lobese said the 3 500 food parcels distributed over Easter were done with municipal funds. "We are aware that 500 food parcels per ward would never be enough. However, that was the only money available and if there was more money, the Bitou Municipality would definitely have bought more food."

Volunteers assisted in packing 3 500 food parcels for struggling Bitou residents as part of the Bitou Municipality's Covid-19 relief efforts for the Easter weekend.